Phantom Studios Sues JioStar Over Alleged Unauthorised Queen Sequel

Legal dispute over intellectual property rights threatens the release of the highly anticipated film project featuring Kangana Ranaut.

MUMBAI — Phantom Studios has initiated legal proceedings against JioStar India Private Limited in the Bombay High Court, alleging that the production of a film titled "Queen 2" constitutes an unauthorised infringement on its intellectual property rights. The studio, which co-produced the critically acclaimed 2014 film Queen, is seeking an injunction to halt the film’s release and is claiming ₹250 crore in damages.

The lawsuit, filed by Phantom Studios through the legal firm Rashmikant and Partners, claims that the production house retains a 50 percent stake in the original Queen intellectual property. According to the court filing, this stake includes exclusive rights to develop any sequels, prequels, or derivative works based on the 2014 drama. Phantom Studios alleges that it has not granted any consent for a sequel and asserts that its attempts to resolve the matter with JioStar since May 2025 have been ignored.

JioStar Denies Sequel Claims

In a formal statement released following the commencement of the legal action, JioStar categorically rejected the allegations. The company maintained that its current project, which features actress Kangana Ranaut, is an entirely original and independent production.

"StarStudio18 is presently working with Ms. Kangana Ranaut on a fresh production that is an original, independent story," the statement read. "It has no narrative, character, or creative connection to any prior work, and is neither a sequel nor a prequel to any existing title."

Furthermore, JioStar addressed the dispute regarding the film's title, arguing that the term "Queen" is a common noun and cannot be subject to exclusive ownership under existing intellectual property laws. The company indicated its intent to contest the lawsuit vigorously in court.

Context of the Dispute

The legal conflict follows the recent announcement that principal photography for the project, directed by Vikas Bahl, had concluded. Bahl also directed the original 2014 film, which won National Film Awards for Best Feature Film and Best Actress.

Phantom Studios, which was co-founded by Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena, and Vikas Bahl, was dissolved in 2018 but later revived in 2021. The studio maintains that its prior contractual agreements with the respondent require mutual consent for any franchise expansion.

Why It Matters

This case highlights the growing complexity of intellectual property rights in the Indian film industry, particularly regarding franchises and derivative works. The outcome of the litigation could set a significant precedent for how studios define and protect "sequel rights" and could potentially delay or force a rebranding of high-profile film projects if courts find in favor of the original producers.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Legal Action: Phantom Studios has filed a ₹250 crore lawsuit against JioStar in the Bombay High Court.

• Core Allegation: The studio claims the upcoming film is an unauthorized sequel to the 2014 hit Queen, violating their 50% ownership of derivative rights.

• JioStar’s Defense: The production house states the film is a fresh, independent story with no creative ties to the 2014 film.

• Current Status: The matter is expected to be heard by a single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court.

FAQ

Is the upcoming movie officially a sequel to the 2014 film Queen?

JioStar has formally denied that the film is a sequel, stating it is an independent, original production with no narrative link to the 2014 movie.

What is Phantom Studios demanding?

The studio is seeking an injunction to restrain the release of the film and ₹250 crore in damages for alleged intellectual property infringement.

Can a studio own the rights to the word "Queen"?

JioStar argues that "Queen" is a common noun in the English language and cannot be claimed exclusively by any party.

Official Sources

• Bombay High Court: Court filings and public records regarding the civil suit.

• JioStar India Private Limited: Official statement regarding the nature of the production.

• Phantom Studios: Public assertions of intellectual property ownership.